Machine for closing cartons while the cartons are being translated



Jan. 20, 1953 w. A. woon 2,525,778

MACHINE FOR CLOSING CARTON-S WHILE THE CARTONS ARE BEING TRANSLATED IN VEN TOR.

Jan. 20, 1953 2,625,778

W. A. WOOD MACHINE FOR CLOSING CARTONS WHILE THE CARTONS ARE BEINGTRANSLATED Filed May 21, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 20,1953 Filed May 2l,` 1951 W. A. WOO MACHINE FOR CLOSING CARTONS WHILE THECARTONS ARE BEING TRANSLATED INVENTOR.

Kay/7@ Mad Jan. 20, 1953 w. A. woon 2,625,778

A MACHINE FOR CLOSING CARTONS WHILE THE CARTONS ARE BEING TRANSLATEDFiled May 21, 1951 4 sheets-sheet 4 Patented Jan. 20, 1953 MACHINE FORCLOSING CARTONS WHILE THE CARTONS ARE BEING TRANSLATED Wayne A. Wood,Kalamazoo, Mich., assignor to Sutherland Paper Company, Kalamazoo, Mich.

Application May 21, 1951, Serial No. 227,347

Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in machine for closing papercartons while the cartons are being translated.

The principal objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a ma-chine which will automatically fold in end flapsand close and lock the side folding cover of a rectangular paper cartonwhile the carton is being continuously translated along a conveyor.

Second, to provide a machine for effectively folding the end flaps andside folding cover of a translated paper carton without unduly deformingthe side and end Walls of the carton which may be relatively looselyinterlocked.

Third, to provide novel means for folding the leading end flap of atranslated carton over the carton while the carton is being moved.

Fourth, to provide means for folding the trailing end flap of a cartoninwardly over the carton while the carton is being continuously moved.

Fifth, to provide means for accurately and sharply bending the sidefolding top of a carton over the carton and turning down a side flap onthe swinging end of the cover while the carton is being translated.

Sixth, to provide means for inserting or engaging a tuck nap on the endap of a cover into a locking slot in the side of a carton While ythecarton is being translated.

Other objects and advantages of my invention Will be apparent from aconsideration of the following description and claims.

The drawings, of which there are four sheets, illustrate a preferred andhighly practical form of my carton closing machine.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the machine, the view being broken in twosections along the broken line with the lower portion constituting acontinuation of the right end of the upper portion.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross sectional viewthrough the end flap folding portion of the machine taken along theplane of line 2-2 in Fig. l.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective View partially in vertical sectionillustrating the operation `of the leading flap folding mechanism.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view illustrating thetrailing flap folding mechanism shown in'Fig. 2 in another position ofthe mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary transverse vertical cross sectional View throughthe cover-folding portion of the machine taken along the plane of theline .5-5 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 -is a fragmentary transverse cross sectional view similar to Fig.5' but illustrating the cover flap folding mechanism in an advancedstage of the cycle of the machine.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a closed carton after it has passedthe cover flap folding portion of the machine.

Fig. 8 is a horizontal plan view partially in section of the tuck flapinserting portion of the machine.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the carton With the tuck flap andtuck flap locking slot positioned to be operated on by the ilapdeflecting pin and flap inserting cam wheel of the machine, the pinbeing shown in cross section along the plane of the line 9--9 in Fig.10.

Fig. 10- is a fragmentary transverse vertical cross sectional viewthrough the tuck flap inserting mechanism taken along the plane of theline lf3-lil in Fig. 9.

Fig. 1l is a fragmentary vertical longitudinal cross sectional viewthrough a carton positioned opposite the tuck ap inserting mechanism andshowing the iiap inserting cam in elevation.

My present machine is designed to automatically close paper cartons ofrelatively light weight after they have been previously erected andfilled with the contents which they are to carry. The machine isparticularly designed to operate on inexpensive -cartons having endwalls that are joined to the side walls by inexpensive and automaticallyerectible interlocking flaps so that the cartons are not rigid in thesense .that cartons having glued and integrally connected side and endwalls are rigid. The cartons on which my machine is designed to operateare designed to inexpensivelyv package and protect consumer items suchas baked goods and it is therefore essential that the cost' of thecarton and the cost of erecting and closing it be held to a minimum.

As is generally illustrated in Fig. 1 my machine includes a conveyor wayI along which cartons are adapted to be continuously translated by theights 2 of a continuously driven conveyor chain 3. The cartons 4 aredelivered transversely to the conveyor way from a carton set-up machineindicated generally at 5 and it will be understood that the set-upmachine 5 which forms no part of the present invention functions to setup the cartons from fiat blanks so that the side and end Walls of thecartons are erected and interlocked and interconnected by a combinationof interlocking corner flaps and slots. The cover of the carton extendsverticallyfrom one side wall as the carton'is delivered from the set-upmachine.

After leaving the set-up machine the cartons 4 are introduced into theconveyor way by a crank operated pusher mechanism 3. In order tosynchronize the operation of the several elements of my machine, a chain'l driven in timed relationship to the set-up machine is connectedthrough the shafts and gears 8 to operate the chain 9 which drives mycarton closing mechanism in a manner to be described presently.

The carton closing mechanism includes a leading end ap folder generallyindicated at I0, a trailing end flap folder generally indicated at i i,a cover bending guide bar |2,"'a cover Aflap folder generally indicatedat I3, and a -combi-ned cover closing and tuck ap inserting structuregenerally indicated at I4.

While various drive arrangements may be provided, I connect the chain 9to a cross shaft I5 which is chain connected to drive the nleading flapfolder shaft IS and the trailing flap folder shaft Il. The shaft I isalso connected by the chain I3 to a cross 'shaft I9 and the shaft I9 isin turnv connected by the chain 29 to the shaft 2| for operating theconveyor chain 3. The shaft is connected 'by means of the chain 22 tothe cover flap folding shaft 23 and a chain 24 connects the latter shaftto a shaft 25 for operating the tuck flap inserting mechanism.

Structural details of the supporting framework of the machine arelargely omitted except where operating portions of the machine areconnected thereto. It is believed that persons skilled in the art willbe readily able to provide the necessary structural support for theelements to be described.

Leafzmg end flap folder As is best illustrated in Figs. 2 and "3, thecartons 4 are regularly and continuously advanced by the conveyor in thedirection indicated by the arrows with their 'side walls 2-5 and endwalls 2T erected. The-end walls are provided with leading end flaps y28and trailing end fla'ps 219 'which project above the edges of the 'sidewalls. 'The end flaps 23 and 29 are connected to their respective endwalls along scored'fold lines but in order to increase the rigidityofthe finished carton the fold lines are not very deep so thatconsiderable force is required to bend the end aps along the fold lines.n A

A disc 3D is mounted on vthe 'end 'of the shaft |6 alongside the path ofmovement of the 'cartons and the disc is provided with segmental arcuatefold .plates 3| which project across fthe path of travel of the cartons.'It will be noted that the bottom of the ldisc 39 and the outer surfacesof the fold plates 3| are V"approxmate'l'y,level with,

er tangent to the top edges of the 'Si-de walls 2s ofthe cartons as theyare translated 'below the folding plates 3|. rThe disc 3|) 'rotates thedirection indicated by thearrows so that one of theY two folding plateswill be lpresented in the path vofwe'ach.successivefcaxton asillustrated in Fig'. 2.V I'he shaft lwand the disc 3l) are rotated 'sothat the peripheral Vspeed of the folding plates 3| is less than thelineal rate of advance of the conveyor 3 and cartons 4.

From a considerationo'f Fig. 2 it will be apparent that f the dise 33and lower Y'fold plate 3| were held stationary the advancing motion ofthe cartera-4 esule-causante .icas externe 23 to' b' bent inwardlyov'rth by camn'ing action. However, sue fa cart-lining action aloneapplied to the relatively stiff flap would also tend to buckle 'theleading rend wall 2'1A inwardly Of th cttl l'd lsbly bk the 16058connections between the end wall and the side walls. Such motion mightalso damage the contents of the carton. Accordingly, the trailing edgesof the folding plates 3| are provided with radially projecting iianges32 which hook over the free edge of the leading end flaps '28. Rotationof the disc 3Q causes the flange 32 to more downwardly as the end ap 28folds, thus effectively preventing transverse bowing oi either the flapor the leading end wall. A hold-down plate or bar 33 supported from abracket 35i on the 'side of the machine overlies the incoming "ton Vandprevents 'their 'accidental tilting niece; h

action of the fold plates 3|.

Trailing emi flap folder After the leading end flaps have been asdescribed, the cartons are advanced past the shaft Il and a cam plate 35flxedly supported UIC alongside of 'the conveyor. The cam plate 3sdefines 'an irregular cam opening 355 through which the shaft |'lextends and the shaft il' carries a crank member 3l' having oppositelyextending crank arms 38, lPivotallycarried at the er the 'arms 38 aretransversely extending trai g flap folding plates 39 'which projecttransversely across Vthe conveyor to engage the 'trailing dans 29 ofeach successive carton. The plates 3: are rigidly connected to lcranklevers 43 a` l swinging ends of the levers t are provid th cam followerrollers 4|, which engage and travel along the surface of the carnopening 33 as the crank 3l is rotated. The crank levers #iii are springurged into constant engagement with the "edge "of "the-foam opening 33by springs 2 which extend from Vea'chcrank lever to pins 33 carried vby.-projections 'on the 'opposite crank arm A's is best illustrated liinFig. "4, the edge of the cam opening A36 provided with a re-entrant lobe44 which* forces the follower roller 4I of each lever linwardly of thecam opening as the leve'i approaches the bottom of itstravel. Thismovement of the roller :and its associated crank lever 4i) swings thelever to the position indicated `by the vdotted lines at l0-A in Fig. 4.The flap folding plate carried bythe y'crank lever is correspondinglyswung to 'an elevated position indicated by the dotted lines at 39`A sothat the incoming trailing end flap 29 will clear the folding plate asindicated at 2li-A. The crank member 31 is rotated at such a speed thatthe folding plate 39 is advanced faster than vthe trailing end ap '29 inan overtaking motion which tends to fold the trailing end flap 'inwardlyover the rear end wal-l of ythe v carton. vS'irnl'iltaneously with theovertaking 'of the trai-ling flap 29, the follower roller '4| ispermitted tov nove Aoutwardly after passing 'the cam lobe H4 Aso thatthe folding plate -39l assumes aho'iontal position just as the trailingwall of the carton 'passes under it. A ange or projection 45 on each ofth folding plates 39 engages the swinging edge of each successive endflap and prevents inward buckling ofthe end wall during the inwardfolding of the end wall flap.

Cover will cocer flap folding mechanism After both the trailing andleading end wall aps of the cartons' have been Afolded inwardly as justdescribed, the cartons are translated underneath a holel=dewn plate or`strip 43, which is 'supported intermediate of its ends by a laterallyextending bracket 46 (see Figs; 1 and 5). This strip functions to holdthe end flaps in folded condition while the cover is folded and locked.

It will be understood that throughout the folding of the end naps thecover 41 on the carton has been extended vertically from one side wall.As the carton is advanced, the upstanding'leading edge of the cover isengaged by the laterally and longitudinally inclined fold bar l2 to foldthe cover transversely over the carton. The bar l2 brings the cover 41into an acute angular, partially closed, position over the carton andagainst the top of a guide bar 48, which is supported by a bracket 48'from the conveyor side. Continued translation of the carton brings thefolded inner edge of the cover under a crimping roll or wheel 49 whichsharply crimps the fold between the cover and the side wall. During thecrimping of the folded edge of the cover the swinging edge thereof isretained against the guide bar 48 by a horizontal reach 50 of the foldbar I2.

After the carton has passed the crimping roll 49 the swinging edge ofthe cover 41 with a cover flap portion 5I extending therefrom is broughtinto engagement with a cover flap folding roll 52 driven from thepreviously described shaft 23. The roll 52 has a cylindrical innerholding portion 53 cooperative with the guide bar 48 and an axiallycammed flange 54 which is rotated in timed relationship with the advanceof each carton to fold each cover flap sharply downwardly along the sideof the guide bar 48.

Cover flap inserting and locking mechanism After the carton istranslated past the cover flap folding mechanism the cover iiap is heldin downwardly inclined position by a guide plate 55 (see Fig. 7) untilthe leading edge of the cover flap engages a cover ap closing wheel 56which is driven by the shaft 25. The wheel 56 is lapped downwardly alongthe side of the carton and presses the carton snugly against theopposite side of the way I. The cover at this position is still inpartially inclined incompletely closed position with the cover flap 5|lapped along the upper edge of the side wall of the carton. The wheel 56carries an angularly adjustable closing cam 51 which rotates downwardlyto force the cover into flat position across the top of the carton andthe support plate 46.

The cover folding Wheel 56 also carries an angle shaped projection orbracket 58 on its outer side, which bracket serves to support the outerend of a pin element 59, as is most clearly illustrated in l Fig. 10.The inner end of the pin element 59 is journalled in the periphery ofthe wheel 56 to project therethrough and a coil spring 6D constantlyurges the pin outwardly away from the inner face y of the wheel 56. Thepin 59 is angularly positioned with respect to the closing cam 51 sothat the pin is brought into overlapping or opposed relationship to thefront wall of the carton prior to the closing cam reaching its fullyclosed position relative to the cover 41,

Fixedly mounted on the framework of the machine and opposite the path oftravel of the pin 59 at its lowest point, is a fixed cam 6| whichfunctions to press the pin 59 inwardly toward the carton as the pin istranslated between the cam and the carton by the wheel 55. The inner endof the pin 59 is thus adapted to move transversely against a dependingtuck flap 62 provided on the lower edge of the cover nap 5I,y Not onlywill the tuck flap 62'be pressed inwardly but a lock flap or portion 63formed by slitting the side Wall of the carton as at 64, will also bepressing inwardly so that downward motion of the cover and cover flapunder the influence of the cam 51 will cause the tuck flap to be pressedinto the slot vacated by the lock flap.

After the cover 41 has been fully depressed, rotation of the wheel 56moves the pin 59 away from the fixed cam 6l and permits the pin andcover flap to retract. The lock ap and the edge of the slot in the sidewall of the carton will also spring outwardly to lockingly engage thetuck flap in a familiar type of locking engagement.

Continued translation of the filled and now closed cartons carries thembeyond the end of the hold-down plate 46 and a crimping roll 65 isprovided for finally pressing the cover firmly down against the top ofthe carton. This final downward motion of the cover also firmly seatsthe tuck flap in the locking slot 64, and the automatic closing of thecarton is complete.

vHaving thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. A machine for closing rectangular paper cartons having end wall napsand a cover hingedly connected to one side wall and a cover flap on theswinging edge of the cover with a tuck flap on the edge of the coverflap, as the cartons are continuously translated along a conveyor in anendwise position comprising, a leading end iiap folding devicepositionedalongside said conveyor and including a vertical disc tangenton its lower side to the plane of the top of said cartons, said dischaving segmental arcuate folding plates secured to diametricallyopposite sides thereof and projecting transversely across the path oftravel of said cartons, means for rotating said disc at a peripheralspeed less than the lineal speed of said cartons and in timed relationthereto to present each one of said plates in front of alternateincoming cartons, said folding plates having radially projecting apengaging flanges on the trailing edges thereof, a trailing flap foldingdevice positioned alongside said conveyor behind said leading flapfolding device and including a fixed cam plate with an irregular camopening therein, a shaft projecting through said opening, a double armedcrank member on said shaft, crank levers pivotally carried on theswinging ends of said crank member and having cam follower rolls springurged into engagement with ythe edge of said cam opening to controlmovement of the levers about their pivots, trailing flap folding platesconnected to the pivots of. said crank levers for rotation thereby, saidtrailing flap folding plates extending transversely across the path ofsaid cartons, means for rotating said shaft and the crank member andplates carried thereby at a peripheral speed greater than the linealspead of said cartons and in timed relation thereto whereby each one ofthe plates overtakes and engages the trailing end flaps of alternatecartons, said trailing flap folding plates having flap edge engagingflanges on the swinging edges thereof, said cam opening having areentrant portion arranged to swing said crank levers and said trailingflap folding plates to above a horizontal on the downward motion of eachlever with said member to clear incoming iaps, and means positionedalongside and over said conveyor behind said trailingap folding devicefor successively folding down the cover and cover nap of each carton andengaging the cover flap and the tuck flap thereof with the side of thecarton.

2. A machine for closing rectangular paper cartons having end wall flapsand a cover hingedly connected to one side wall anda cover flap on theswinging edge of tliecover with a tuck flap on the edge of the covernap, as the 'cartons are continuously translated along a conveyor in anendwise position comprising, a leading and flap folding devicepositioned along side said conveyor and including a vertical disctangent on its lower side to the plane of the top of said cartons, saiddisc having folding plates secured to diametrically opposite sidesthereof and projecting transversely across the lpath of travel of saidcartons, means for rotating said disc at a peripheral speed less thanthe lineal speed of said cartons and in timed relation thereto topresent each one of said plates in front of alternate incoming cartons,said folding plates having radially projecting flap engaging projectionson the trailing edges thereof, a trailing flap folding device positionedalongside said conveyor behind said leading nap folding device andincluding a fixed cam plate with an irregular cam opening therein, ashaft projecting through said opening, a double armed crank member onsaid shaft, crank levers pivotally carried on the swinging ends of saidcrank member and having cam follower rolls spring urged into Vengagementwith the edge of said cam opening to control movement of the leversabout their pivots, trailing flap folding plates connected to the pivotsof said crank levers for rotation thereby, said trailing flap folding Iplates extending transversely across the path of said cartons, andYmeans for rotating said shaft and the crank member and plates carriedthereby at a peripheral speed greater than the lineal speed of saidcartons and in timed relation thereto whereby each oneof the platesovertakes and engages the trailing end flaps of alternate cartons, saidtrailing flap folding plates having fiap edge engaging projections onthe swinging edges thereof, said cam opening having a re-entrant iportion arranged to swing said crank levers and said trailing flapfolding plates to above a horizontal position on the downward motion ofeach lever with said member to clear incoming flans.

3. A machine for closing rectangular paper cartons having end wall flapsand a cover hingedly connected to one side wall and a cover flap on theswinging edge of the cover with a tuck ap on the edge of the cover flap,as the cartons are continuously translated along a conveyor in anendwise position comprising, a, leading end flap folding devicepositioned alongside said conveyor and including a rotatable memberrotatable about an axis extending transversely over the path of saidcartons, means for rotating said first member in timed relation to saidconveyor, folding plates secured to said member and projectingtransversely across the path of travel of said cartons, the peripheralspacing of said plates beingless than the spacing of said cartons andthe rotationalrspeed of said first member being such that said platesregister successively with leading end flaps of successive cartons andwhereby the plates move at a peripheral speed less than the lineal speedof said cartons, said folding plates having radially projecting flapedge engaging projections on the trailing edges thereof, a trailing flapfolding device positioned alongside said conveyor behind said leadingflap folding device and including a fixed cam plate having an irregularclosed circuitous cam surface thereon, a shaft projecting normally tothe Jlane of said surface, a double armed crank member on said shaft,crank levers pivotally carried on the swinging ends of said crank memberand having 8 Vcam followers varranged vto travel along said cam surface,trailing flap folding plates connectedto the pivots of said crank/leversfor rotation thereby, said trailing vflap folding plates extendingtransversely across the path of said cartons, and means for rotatingsaid shaft and crank member in timed relation to said conveyor wherebythe plates carried by said levers travel at a peripheral speedrgreaterthan the lineal speed of said cartons and the length of the path oftravel of the plates being such that each one of the plates overtakesand engages the trailing end flaps of alternate'cartons, said trailingflap folding plates having flap edge engaging projections on the edgesthereof that lead the plates on their forward'motion-said cam surfacehaving a reentrant portion arranged to swing said crank levers and saidtrailing flap folding plates to above a horizontal posi-tion lon thedownward motion of each lever to clear incoming flaps and to thereafterhold said 'plates in a horizontal flap folding position to thebottom ofthe swing of the plate.

'4. A Vmachine for`V closing rectangular paper cartons having end wallflaps and a cover hingedly connected to one side wall and a cover iiapon theswinging edge of the cover with a tuck -ap on vthe edge of thecover flap, as the cartons are continuously translated, along a conveyoriny an endwise position comprising, a leading end nap folding devicepositioned alongside said conveyor and including a rst rotatable memberrotatable about an axis extending transversely over the nath of travelof said cartons, said member having a folding plate `secured to aradially disposed portion thereof and projecting transverseiy across thepath vof travel of said cartons, means for rotating said first member intimed relation to said conveyor with said plate being rotated at aperipheral speed less than the lineal speed of said cartons but with theplate registering with the leading end flap of a carton on eachrevolution of said rotatable member, said folding plate having aradially projecting flap engaging projection on the trailing edgethereof, a trailing 'lap folding device positioned alongside saidconveyor behind said leading ap folding device and including a secondrotatable member rotatable about an axis extending transversely` abovethe path of travel of said cartons, a crank on said second member,

a lever pivotallf,7 carried on the swinging end of.

.said crank, cam means engageable with said lever to move the same onits pivot as said lever is translated by said crank, a trailing flapfolding plate connected to the pivot of said lever for rotation thereby,-said trailing fiap folding plate extending transversely across the pathof said cartons, and means for rotating said second member in timedrelation to said conveyor whereby the plate carried by .said levertravels at a peripheral speed greater than the lineal speed of saidcartons but with the plate registering with the trailing flap of acarton on each revolution of said second member whereby the plateovertakes and engages the trailing flap of a carton, said trailing flapfolding plate having a flap engaging projection on the edge thereof thatleads the plate on its forward motion, said cam means having a portionarranged to swing said lever and trailing flap folding plate to ahorizontal position to clear incoming flaps and to thereafter guide saidplate in a generaliy horizontal nap folding position to the bottom ofthe swing ofthe plate. Y

5. A machine forclosing rectangular paper cartons having end wall flapsand a cover hingedly connected to one side wall and a cover flap on theswinging edge of the cover with a tuck flap on the edge of the coverflap, as the cartons are continuously translated along a conveyor in anendwise position comprising, a leading end flap folder positionedalongside said conveyor and including, a folding plate projectingtransversely across the path of travel of said cartons, means forswinging said plate in a downward and forward swinging motion to infront of said leading flaps and at a peripheral speed less than thelineal speed of said cartons and in timed relation to said conveyor,said folding plate having a downward- 1y projecting flap engagingprojection on the trailing edge thereof, a trailing-flap folding devicepositioned alongside said conveyor behind said leading flap foldingdevice and* including a trailing flap closing plate extending-transversely across the path of said cartons, and means for swingingsaid second plate in a downward and forward swinging motion over thetrailing edges of said cartons and at-a peripheral speed greater thanthe lineal speed of said cartons whereby the plate overtakes and engagesthetrailing flaps ofcartons, said trailing nap folding plate 'having aflap engaging ,projectionv on the leading edge thereof. f I

6. A machine for closing rectangular paper cartons having end flaps onthe-tops of the end walls thereof and covers hingedlyconnected to a sidewall and cover. flaps on-the swinging edges of the covers with tuckflaps on the swinging edges of the cover flaps, as the cartons arecontinuously translated in an endwisedirection along a conveyorcomprising, an element extending across said conveyor for'folding eachleading end flap inwardly of its carton, a second member projectingacross said conveyor for'foldingeach trailing end flap inwardly of itscarton, afoldingbar extending obliquely across said conveyor andinclined downwardly behind said Arotatable, members-to rengage and foldeach cover downwardly to an inclined position, a longitudinal guide barpositioned over'the open edge of said cartons and arranged co-supportcovers .moved 'thereagainst by said folding bar, a crimping wheelpositioned alongside said conveyor behindl said folding bar andengageable with'the folded edge of said cover to crimp the fold thereof,said' folding bar having a horizontal reach opposite' said Vwheel tohold said cover against'said guide bar; a cover iiap folding wheelrotatable over said guide bar to hold the swinging edge of said coveragainst said guide bar, a cover-flap folding flange having an axiallycammed surface carried by said cover folding wheel and rotatable intoengagement with the cover flap to fold the flap alongside of said guidebar, ay cover depressing wheel positioned alongside said conveyor andbehind said cover flap folding wheel, said depressing wheel having aperipheral portion lapped alongside of said cartons and a cam portionengageable with the top edge of each cover to depress the cover toclosed position, an axially extendingpin slidably carried by saidperipheral portion and spring biased away from said cartons, Aand a xedcam positioned in the path of the end of said pin to force said pininwardly against the tuck flap on the cover flap of each carton as thecover and cover flap are depressed by said cam portion whereby the sidewall and tuck flap of the carton are laterally deflected and permit thetuck flap to enter a locking slot providedy therefor in the side wall ofthe carton, anda pressure'roll positioned overthe edge of ksaid'conveyor and behind said cover depressing wheel to press the cover flapfold on each carton and further seat the tuck nap.

rI. A machine for closing rectangular paper cartons having end flaps onthe tops of the end wall-s thereof and covers hingedly connected to aside wall and cover flaps on the swinging edges of the covers with tuckflaps on the edges of the -cover flap-s as the cartons are continuouslytranslated in an endwise direction along a conveyor comprising, anelement extending across said conveyor and swingably mounted for foldingeach leading end flap inwardly of its carton, a second member projectingacross said conveyor and swingably mounted for folding each trailing endflap inwardly of its carton, a folding bar extending obliquely acrosssaid conveyor and inclined downwardly behind -said rotatable members toengage and fold each cover downwardly to an inclined position, alongitudinal guide bar positioned over the open end of said carton-s andarranged to support cover-s mov-ed thereagainst by said folding bar, -acover ap folding wheel rotatable over said guide bar to hold theswinging edge of said cover against said guide bar, a cover flap foldingflange having an axially cammed surfa-ce carried by said cover foldingwheel and rotatable into engagement with the cover flap to fold the iiapalongside of said guide bar, a -cover depressing wheel positionedalongside said conveyor and behind said cover flap folding wheel, saiddepressing wheel having a peripheral portion lapped alongside of saidcartons and a cam portion engageable with the top edge of each cover todepress the cover to closed position, an Iaxially extending pin slidablycarried by said peripheral portion and spring biased away from saidcartons, and a fixed cam position-ed in the path of the end of said pinto force sai-d pin inwardly against the tuck flap on the cover flap ofeach carton as the cover and cover flap are depressed by said camportion whereby the side waliand tuck flap of the carton are laterallydeflected and permit the tuck flap to enter a locking slot provi-dedtherefor in the side wall of the carton. f l v 8. A machine for closingrectangular paper cartons having end flaps on the tops of the end wallsthereof and covers hingedly connected to a side wall and cover flaps onthe swingingedges of the covers with tuck flaps on the edges of thecover iiaps, as the cartons are continuously translated in `an endwisedirection along a conveyor com-pri-sing, means extending across saidconveyor for folding each leading end flap inwardly of its carton, othermeans projecting across said conveyor for folding each trailing end flap-inwardly of its carton, cover folding means positioned behind'said iiapfolding means to engage and fold ea-ch cover transversely downwardly toan incline-d position, a longitudinal guide bar positioned ,over theopen edge of said cartons to sup-port covers moved thereagainst by saidcover folding means, a crimping wheel positioned alongside y.saidconveyor behindV said cover folding means and engageable with thefold'ededge of said cover to crimp the fold thereof, a cover flap folding wheelrotatable oversaidv guide bar to hold the swinging edgeof said coveragainst said guide bar, a cover flap folding flange having an axiallycammed surf-ace carried ,by ,said cover folding wheel and rotatable intoengagement with the cover flap to fold the flap alongside of said guidebar, a4 cover depressing wheel positioned alongside said conveyor andbehind said cover-Hap folding lwheel, said 'depressing wheel and a camportionengageable-with-the top edge of each vcover to depress the coverto closed position, an axially extending pressure member slidablycarried by said radially extending portion and spring biased away fromsaid cartons, a iixed abutment positioned in the path of the end of saidpressure member to force the same inwardly against the tuck flap on thecover nap of each carton as the cover-and cover nap are depressed bysaid'cam portion wherebythe side wall and tuck ap of the carton arelaterally deflected and permit the tuck iiap to enter a locking slotprovided therefor in the side wall of the carton.

131. In a machine for closing paper cartons, a mechanism for folding acover and cover flap downwardly against the side Wall of the carton andfor engaging a tuck flap on the cover flap in a lock slot in the sidewall of the carton comprising, a conveyor for continuously translatingthe carton with its cover in apartially closed inclined position andthecover flap` inclined downwardly'from `the coverj a wheel rotatable ina plane alongside v'of' the carton and cover nap and driven in timedvrelationship with said conveyor, an axially extending pin slidablycarried by a peripheral portion of said wheel and spring biased awayfrom said carton, a fixed'cam positioned opposite the outer end ofsaidpinhearthe' lower limit of travel thereof to force said pin inwardlyagainst the tuck nap and side wall of the carton, a cam on said wheeland rotatable therewith to depress the edgeof said cover and said coverflap-while saidtuck flap is deflected, a hold-down plate positioned oversaid-conveyor and carton and between the'upper rim of the carton andsaid cover, said hold-down" plate extending past said wheel, and a inalclosing wheel positioned behind the end of said plate and freelyrotatably engageable with the cover to press the swinging end of saidcover downwardly after said cover has cleared said support plate.

le. In a machine for closing paper cartons, a mechanism for folding acover and cover flap downwardly against the side wall of the carton andfor engaging a tuck flap on the cover flap in a lock slot in the sideWall of the carton comprising, a conveyor for continuously translatingthe carton with its cover in a partially closed inclined position andthe cover flap inclined downwardly from the cover, a wheel rotatable ina plane alongside of the carton and cover flap and driven in timedrelationship with said conveyor, an axially extending pin slidablycarried by a peripheral portion of said wheel and spring biased awayfrom said carton, a fixed cam positioned opposite the outer end of saidpin near the lower limit of travel thereof to force said pin inwardlyagainst the tuck ap and side wall of the carton, and a cam on said wheeland rotatable therewith to depress the edge of said cover and said coveriiap while said tuck nap is deflected.

15. In a machine for closing paper cartons, a mechanism for folding acover and cover flap downwardly against the side wall of the carton andfor engaging a tuck flap on the cover flap in a lock slot in the sidewall of the carton comprising, a conveyor for continuously translatingthe carton with its cover in a partially closed inclined position andthe cover ap inclined downwardly from the cover, a wheel rotatable in aplane alongside of the carton and cover flap and driven in timedrelationship with said conveyor, an axially extending pressure memberslidably carried by a radially extending portion of said wheel to betranslated past the side of each car- -ilap is deflected.

ton and spring biased away from said carton, a fixed abutment positionedopposite the outer end of said member near lthe lower limit of travelthereof and camrningly engageable with said member, to force said memberinwardly against the tuck flap and side wall of the carton, and a cam onsaid wheel and rotatable therewith to depress the edge of said cover andsaid cover flap while said tuck iiap is deiiected.

16. In a machine for closing paper cartons, a mechanims for folding acover and cover ap downwardly against the side wall of the carton andfor engaging a tuck iiap in a lock slot in the side wall of the cartoncomprising, a conveyor for continuously translating the carton with itscover in a partially closed linclined position and the cover iiapinclined downwardly from the cover, means movalblein a plane alongsideof the carton and cover iiap and driven in timed relationship with saidconveyor, said means having a vertical component of motion, atransversely extending pressure member slidably carried by said meansand spring biased away from said carton, a fixed abutmentpositionedopposite the outer end of said member n-ear the lower limit of travelthereof and cammingly engageable therewith to force said member inwardlyagainst the tuck flap and side wall of the carton, and a horizontalsurface on said means engageable with the top of the cover and saidcover fiapwhile said tuck 17. In a machine foi` closing paper cartons, amechanism for foldingy a cover and cover flap downwardly against thelside wall of the carton and for engaging a tuck fiap on the cover flapin a lock slot in the side wall of the carton comprising, a conveyor forcontinuously translatingr the carton with its cover in a partiallyclosed inclined position and the cover ap inclined downwardly from thecover, means movable in a plane alongside of the carton and cover iiapand driven in timed relationship with said conveyor, said means having avertical component of motion, a pressure member carried by said meansand mov able transversely with respect thereto, an abutment positionedopposite the outer end of said member near the lower limit of travelthereof and cammingly engageable therewith to force said member inwardlyagainst the tuck flap and side wall of the carton, and a horizontalsurface on said means engageable with the top of the cover to depressthe edge of said cover and said cover ap while said tuck flap isdeflected.

'18. In a machine for closing paper cartons, means for folding an endflap on the trailing wall of the carton inwardly as the carton iscontinuously translated in an endwise direction cornprising, a rotatablemember positioned in a plane alongside the path of said carton, a flapfolding plate projecting normally from a radially disposed portion ofsaid member across the path of the carton, said plate being rotatableabout a transverse axis and positioned on said member to beapproximately level with the top of the carton at the lower limit ofmotion of the plate, a lever carried by said member and non rotatablyconnected to said plate, spring means biasing said lever and plate toextend the plate radially outwardly of said member, a flap edge engagingflange turned rearwardly from the swinging edge of said plate, cam meanspositioned adjacent to said member and engageable with said lever toswing said lever and plate to radially inwardly directed position withsaid flange turned downwardly as said plate approaches the flap on thecarton, said can surface thereafter permittingthe downward rotation, of:Said plate. and, it flange against .thetrailmg side Qf- SaidV flea and.means for rotating said member, in timedre-v latio-nship withV saidconveyor whereby saidplate is swung downwardly in an overtaking motionbehind.V said ap.

19. In a machine, for closingY paper. cartons, means for foldinganendviap on theV trailingwall of the carton inwardly as the carton iscontinuously translated in an endwise direction cornf-` prising, arotatable member positioned in a plane alongside the pathjof saidcarton, aA flap folding plate projecting normally fromV a radiallydisposed portion of; said member across the path of thecaltonjsaidplatebeing rotatableoabouta transverse axis. and positioned-On Said-member t0 be approxmately4 level-with. the topA of the cartonYatthe lower limit ofmotionoi-` the plate,

a lever carried by said member and nonrotatably connected to said plate,Ya flap edge engaging projection on the swinging edge of said plate, cammeans positioned adjacent to said-member andengageable with said levertodirect. the Inction thereofand swing said lever and plate to radiallyinwardly directed position with saidprof jection turned downwardly assaid plate ap-V preaches the apro'n the carton, said camsurfacethereafter directing the downward rotation of said plate and itsprojection against the trailing side of said nap, and means f orrotating said member in timed relationship with said conveyor wherebysaidplate is swung downwardly in an' overtaking motionbehind said nap.

20. In aA machineV for closing paper cartons,

means for folding an end nap on the trailing wall of the carton inwardlyas the. carton is con.-

16 tinnously translated in an endwisedirectonconif; pi'ising, a supportvmember `movably "positioned adjacent the path ofV saidfcarton,afap-folding plate carried by said member and projecting across the pathof the cartonfsai'd plate being rotatable about a transverse axis andpositioned on said member to be approximately level with the top of thecarton at the lower limit of motion of the plate, a lever carried bysaid member and nonrotatably connected to saidplate, a ap edge engagingprojection on the swinging edge of said plate, cam means positionedadjacent to said member and engageable with said leverv to direct themotion thereof and swing said plate to generally horizontal positionwith said projection turned downwardly as said plate approaches the napon the carton, said cam surface thereafter directing the downwardrotation of said plate and its projection against the trailing side ofsaid flap, and means for moving said member in an oscillatory motionhaving a vertical ccmponentfand in timedrelationship with saidconveyorwhereby said plate is swung downwardly in an overtaking motion behindsaid flap.

WAYNE A. WOOD.

REFERENCES The following references `are of record in the le of thispatent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date '787,696 Redd Apr. 18, 1905995,965 Heybach June 20, 1911 1,348,643 Har-ris Aug. 3, 1920 2,340,835Malhiot Feb. 1, 1944 2,577,529- Kerr Dec. 4, 1951

